Tag Archives: turtles

The Enchantment of Rongerik

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Despite the hardships this beautiful atoll has endured over the last 80+ years it is one of the most beautiful places to visit.  We had the pleasure of visiting 8 of the 12 islands on the perimeter of the Rongerik Atoll.

This is our beautiful anchorage between Rongerik Island and Bird Island. Look at the various colors of blue!

Most of the island have this stunning pink sand on the lagoon side that has crystal clear turquoise waters lapping up their shores.

On the windward side (ocean side) you can find these pretty little pools of water with crabs, fish, and eels thriving.

A few of the islands have coral walls that put on an impressive water display when the waves crash against them.

Sand dollars covered one part of the beach on Rongerik Island. It was a treasure trove of beautiful shells.  I tried so hard to walk around them so as not to ruin the beauty for others.

Loads of Bird Colonies

One island has been apply named “Bird Island.”  However, most of the islands are heavily populated by a variety of birds, including boobies, frigates, terns, and oh so many more.  When humans come ashore, the birds become super curious. These birds are not used to seeing two legged creatures.  Many will fly right over your head or swoop down you to check you out.

We did our best to stay on the outer perimeter of the island – as close to the water’s edge as possible so as not to disturb the birds and their nests.

So Many Babies

The good news is that we came across many birds nests with 1-2 eggs in each nest.  I’d say half were on the ground and half in the trees.  The nests on the ground are a clear indication that there are no rates on the islands.  Check out this beautiful blue egg.

We also came across over a dozen infants and teenagers.  They are so cute when they are so fuzzy!  Yes, I have a very good zoom on my camera. We tried to always be 10 meters from the nest and the babies.

Turtle Nests

The other beauty about rat-less islands is the survival of the turtle nests.  We encountered so many nests but never saw any baby or mamma turtles.  

We came across an old ship wreck. Only the bow remains.

Our blog posts run 4-6 weeks behind actual events.  We were in Rongerik during the last week of December and early January 2025. Don’t miss out on our last blog post on The Haunted Past of the Northern Atolls.

Ratua Island: A Private Resort

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To get to Ratua Island you have to traverse the tricky Segund Pass.  This is a long pass that runs between Aore island and Malo island.  The current can rip through here up to 5kts and if you don’t time it properly it can be very treacherous.  On top of the fast current there are several reefs that make the channel even more challenging to navigate.

We thought we timed it properly, but alas we were off.  Sugar Shack traveled from east to west during falling or low tide (which is when we were “supposed” to go).  We ended up seeing 4kts of current against us, but we had total control of the boat the entire time. We took it slow and easy and arrived safely.

Later we researched and discovered that the tide runs west to east on the falling or low tide (which is why it was against us).  It runs east to west on the rising tide or high tide.  The best time to go is 2 hours before high or low tide when the current drops down to 2-3kts.  Lesson learned which will help on our departure.

You forget all about the entrance, once inside the beautiful bay.  We drop the hook next to a bommie and were startled to see it move!  It was a large turtle.  This lagoon is filled with dozens of large turtles!

Ratua Island Resort

Ratua Island is owned by the Ratua Island Foundation which also runs the beautiful Ratua Island Resort.  Some of the profits from the resort help fund the foundation whose goal is to educate children across Vanuatu.  

The owners, Brett and Leah have had a rough time of it.  The Kiwis bought the island in 2016 and enjoyed the business for a few years.  Then covid hit and closed it all down.  Shortly after covid, cyclone Harold hit and destroyed all of the main buildings and many of the bungalows.  It took them 4 years to rebuild and they reopened in Dec. 2023.

But then the local airline that brings their guests to the remote island went bankrupt so they had to shut down again in April 2024 (about 4 months after the re-opened).  When we arrived, they had been closed to guests but still allowed us to come to shore, to enjoy the facilities, have many cocktails and a few very delicious dinners.  Hopefully, they will be able to reopen soon once the airline get’s up and running again.

Above, is the main house with the dining hall, bar, and casual seating area.  I am posing near the airport waiting area and a tam tam.

Ratua Island

They have 11 beautifully cared for horses.  They are so very gorgeous and well loved!  The resort offers horseback riding tours around the island and swimming with the horses.  They also have a spa, kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkel gear for rent and do tours to the Malo blue hole.

Blue Hole

We will be visiting several blue holes so I will do one blog on all three.  So stay tuned.  But just to give you a taste…In the top photo, the top body of water is the Segund channel, then the middle body of water (that goes off the left side) is Lake Malo, and the small body of water (can you see us in Sweetie) is the Malo blue hole.

I realized that I spelled Ratua incorrectly in the picture collages after the fact…please note that the island, the resort and the foundation are all spelled Ratua.

Our blogs run 10-12 weeks behind actual live events.  This blog occurred in early August 2024.  We hide from the world at Aore Island in our last blog post….

Resting turtle

Turtle Diving in Mo’orea

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Diving in Mo’orea brings us up close and personal with over a dozen turtles and many curious fish.   It had been a long time since I dove.  Like almost 3.5 years, since Galapagos.  I was more than a bit anxious, but I was diving with Matt and two of our friends who each have hundreds of dives and safety certifications.  Our goal was to find Rachel’s friend “Sonny” who is a racoon butterfly fish and a turtle or 12.

We load all the dive gear in Sweetie and head to the pass.  There are a few floats to tie our dinghies.  We jump in and my stomach is full of butterflies.  We descend slowly and I can see the coral bottom clearly.  It is not far, maybe 20 meters (60’).  Once I remember to stop exhaling through my nose, I get a little more comfortable.  The air exhaled through my nose caused my mask to separate from my face which leaked water down my cheeks.  It was a back and forth I played with my mask before I figured it out.  Yep, a little out of practice.

Sonny immediately comes out to join us.  He is a raccoon butterfly fish that Rachel met 2 years ago.  Every time she dives this spot, she has an interaction with him.  It is really quite amazing to see their relationship in person as I’ve watched it blossom on her Instagram account (moore_rachel).  He is a curious little guy and thoroughly checked out Matt before returning to Rachel.

Turtles, Turtles, Turtles everywhere

We don’t have to swim far to spot our first turtle as they are everywhere!  They are perched on top of the coral…see the yellow fish hiding under his back flipper?

Just hanging out, resting

Resting their little heads on top of the coral as if it were a comfy pillow


This just doesn’t look comfortable to me…but he is clearly in the “zone.”

Resting turtle

Resting turtle

Some blend in with the coral

And others sandwich themselves under the coral. I wonder how he will get out of this predicament?

We caught a few as they were heading up to get a sip of air.

We also come across a beautiful porcupine puffer who seemed to be challenging Matt.

Rachel and Josh from Agape (Voyages of Agape).

Rachel and Josh, Agape

Rachel and Josh, Agape

You might remember my blog about the very special Turtle Sanctuary, Te Mana O Te Moana.  They rescue turtles from all over French Polynesia.  I wonder if any of these beauties are around as a result of their rescue mission.

We jam Cruiser style in our last blog.  Events from this blog post occurred the end of September.  Our blog posts run 10-12 weeks behind our adventures.